isotopic abundance
Quick Summary
Isotopic abundance refers to the relative proportions of an element's isotopes. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, leading to different atomic masses.1
The abundance of elements and their isotopes in the solar system is thought to have originated from the Big Bang for hydrogen and helium, with heavier elements formed through nucleosynthesis in stars. While elemental abundances can change due to stellar processes, isotopic abundances are generally more stable.2
Variations in isotopic abundances, though usually small, can occur due to processes like radioactive decay. For example, the decay of potassium-40 produces argon-40, leading to a higher proportion of 40Ar in Earth's atmosphere compared to solar system abundances. These variations provide valuable insights for geologists and astronomers studying the history of celestial bodies. Mass spectrometers are crucial instruments for measuring these isotopic abundances with high precision.34
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